TMC Set for Major Organizational Overhaul: Key District Presidents to be Replaced Ahead of Assembly Elections

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Nov 15, 2024, Kolkata : In a major development within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), sources close to party leadership have confirmed that a sweeping organizational reshuffle is on the horizon, with significant changes expected at both the district and block levels across West Bengal. This move is part of a broader strategy by party leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee, to streamline the organization in preparation for the crucial 2026 Assembly elections.

The reshuffle comes after discussions between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC State President Subrata Bakshi, who was instructed to sit down with Abhishek Banerjee and discuss the details of the changes. According to sources, this conversation is expected to result in a series of changes in leadership positions at multiple levels of the party, with district presidents being the primary targets of the restructuring.

A central focus of the reshuffle will be on South Bengal, with changes anticipated in key districts such as Kanthi, Tamluk, and Purulia. Party insiders suggest that the Krishnanagar and Murshidabad districts, led by Mahua Moitra and Abu Taher respectively, could see their leaderships changed. The removal of Sudip Banerjee from his position as North Kolkata district president is also under consideration, with the chances of his replacement standing at 18%. Additionally, Sayani Ghosh, currently the TMC Youth President, could be removed following her successful election to the Jadavpur Lok Sabha seat.

However, Arup Chakraborty, the District President of Bankura, is expected to retain his position. Despite some ongoing concerns within the district, the party sees no immediate alternative leadership figure to replace him, and with the upcoming Taldangra Assembly by-election expected to see a TMC landslide victory, there is little incentive to disturb the status quo in Bankura.

The most significant upheaval, however, is expected in North Bengal, where sources claim that Cooch Behar, Siliguri, and other districts could see substantial changes. The removal of several district presidents, especially in areas where TMC has underperformed, is being discussed. The recent incidents, such as Cooch Behar Chairman Rabindranath Ghosh and Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb not being allowed to take the stage at the TMC's annual rally on July 21, have been interpreted as indicators of a potential leadership shift in the region. Ghosh, in particular, was not given permission to speak, and only after persistent requests was Gautam Deb allowed to take the stage. These signals are believed to hint at a deeper reshuffling in the North Bengal leadership.

The reshuffle is not just about personnel; it is driven by a desire for better organizational performance. A senior TMC leader explained that a major issue within the districts is that many current presidents have formed their own factions, often prioritizing their personal supporters over unity. This internal division has hindered the party’s effectiveness in certain areas. In selecting new district leaders, the party aims to choose individuals who not only enjoy broad acceptance within the organization but who also have the ability to lead with authority and full-time dedication.

“Abhishek Banerjee is keen on creating a productive, united team. This reshuffle is being done with an eye on the assembly elections, and the goal is to ensure that the organization works more cohesively and effectively on the ground,” the source added.

Changes are also expected at the municipal level, with the chairmen and vice-chairmen of various municipalities facing potential removals. The driving factor behind these changes will be the performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, particularly in municipalities where the TMC struggled to secure wins in most of the wards. Leaders from these municipalities will be replaced by individuals who can better galvanize local support for the party in the upcoming state elections.

While the district and block-level reshuffles are the immediate focus, there is also speculation that a state cabinet reshuffle could follow in the wake of these organizational changes. Although details remain unclear, political observers believe that the reshuffling of party leadership could extend to the state’s executive, with key ministers potentially being moved or replaced based on their performance and political alignment. The reshuffling of both the party and the cabinet would be in line with Abhishek Banerjee’s efforts to streamline the administration and improve governance ahead of the critical 2026 elections.

This shift at both the organizational and governance levels reflects the TMC's desire to present a united, efficient front to the voters, ensuring that the party is well-prepared to face any challenges in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Abhishek Banerjee, who has emerged as the driving force behind the reshuffle, is focusing on creating a dynamic and capable leadership team that can take on the opposition with renewed vigor. His emphasis on grassroots unity, leadership accountability, and electoral performance suggests that the reshuffle is not just about personnel changes but a larger strategy to build a more robust party apparatus.

As the reshuffle is expected to unfold in the coming days, all eyes will be on how these changes impact the party’s prospects in both the upcoming by-elections and the 2026 Assembly elections. With Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, Abhishek Banerjee’s strategic vision, and the TMC’s powerful organizational base, the party is clearly gearing up for the challenges ahead.